Mulrerry Island, Greensville Camp. Sept. 16th. 1861.
D. J. Godwin, Lt. Col. 14th Regt. Va. Vol. Dear Sir
--We have taken the liberty of addressing you the following, with the earnest hope that it may meet your approval.
D. J. Godwin, Lt. Col. 14th Regt. Va. Vol. Dear Sir
We, the undersigned, residents of your District having informally canvassed the question of uniting upon a suitable person to represent the Second Congressional District in the Confederate States Congress, soon to meet in Richmond have, with perfect unanimity and accord, selected you as the candidate, feeling assured that the selection will give entire satisfaction to our people. We can also, without doubt, insure your election.
In selecting you, we have not been unmindful of the firm and loyal Southern position you occupied previous to our present hostilities with the North; nor of the fact that you were one among the first to take the field in defence of that position. The soldier and citizen cannot be indifferent to these facts. Therefore, for these, your uniform courtesy and conduct towards officers, privates, and citizens generally, with whom you have been thrown, and other qualities unnecessary here to mention, we have selected you, and must urge, with all due respect, that you show us the use of your name in the premises.
With feelings of high consideration, we beg to subscribe ourselves.
Mills K. Starke, 1st I. t. and acting Surgeon Greensville Guard. W. R. S. Weaver, Greensville Guard. E. O. Persons, Greensville Guard. Wm. J. Arihur, Capt., Nansemond co. R. P. ClementsCapt. Southampton co. T. N. Ruffin, Capt., Surry co. Geo. W. Moody, Surry co. H. Clay Capps, Nansemond co. A. P. Gormer. Nansemond co. T. Jarratt, Greensville co. J. H. T. Thomas, Greensville co. J. A. Collins. Greensville co. Wm. A. Buckner, Greensville co. Wm. E. Newson, Greensville co. Jno. R. Thompson, Greensville co. Geo. H. Flournoy, Surry co. Many others, too numerous to publish.
Camp Cuimis Oct. 7th, 1861.
Gentlemen — I received duly yours of the 16th ult., ursing me, in the most complimentary terms, to allow the use of my name as a candidate for the Confederate States Congress, soon to assemble at Richmond, in which you inform me that I was selected with unanimity and accord — that you feel assured that the selection will give entire satisfaction, and that you can insure my election.
I have delayed reply thus long, in order to act advisedly on the subject.
In answer, allow me to thank you most cordially for the compliment of tendering me the nomination. I accept it, and place my cause entirely in the bands of my friends. My military duties will preclude any canvassing on my part.
Your obedient servant.
D. J. Godwin. To Lt. M. K. Starke, W. R. S. Weaver, Captains R. P. Clements, Wm. J. Arthur, T. N. Ruffin, and others. oc 10--1t
